TDSR is about the hardships experienced by a distrustful 10-year-old boy named Benny, a foster child, who is bound and determined to avoid faith and keep his distance from everyone. (We bet you’ve met a few people like that, huh?) David and Martha Credence (his new foster parents) have their work cut out for them to help open Benny’s heart and show him to his path with God—they also have a whole foster family to look after!

We asked T.M. all about the book and why girls should read it. Check out our Q&A!

PI: T.M., we’re so excited about your new book! First of all, what inspired you to write The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch?

T.M.: My novels are usually inspired by a different number of things. It could be a thought, a news story, an issue I’m passionate about, a biblical verse, or even a random person I see on the street. With Sunshine Ranch, it was a mix of some of these prompts. I imagined my main character, Benedict, a 10-year old foster child, struggling with the fear of his past and being cynical about his future. I pictured him as this grumpy kid who was afraid to be happy. The elevation of children, especially those who come from bad or poor upbringings, is always inspiring to me. I wanted to tell a story about children and teens, scarred by adversity, but strengthened by God. I was inspired by the desire to inspire, and ultimately, I think that’s why I write all of my stories.

PI: What do you hope young Christians will take away from this novel?

T.M.: That past adversity should never dictate or assume an adverse future. No matter where you come from, you have the ability to succeed. Trust that God has a plan for you, and that in difficult times, He will carry you through. This book epitomizes the scripture Philippians 4:12-13. Basically it translates into:

I know what it’s like to be in need and to have plenty; I’ve learned how to be content in any situation, because God gives me strength to deal with anything that comes my way.

I pray this truth reveals itself to my readers, because nothing is impossible with God.

PI: What was your favorite part of the book to write?

T.M.: There were a lot of scenes I really enjoyed writing, but I’m a sucker for love, so writing the delicate scenes between two of the older children, Tommy and Faden, were fun.

PI: Was it always your dream to write a novel?

T.M.: I’ve always got new stories in my head, waiting to come to life in a book. I began writing because I wanted to get the stories out of my head. I don’t always know how they’re going to unfold, so I have to write the novels to find out!

PI: What advice do you have for PI readers who want to achieve a dream?

T.M.: Go for it! Start as soon as you can, don’t give up and pray for strength. Your dream may be God’s plan for you, and if you don’t pursue it, you’ll likely always regret it. Or you may always feel like something’s missing in your life. I know I couldn’t imagine never being able to write.

Thanks so much for the interview, T.M., and good luck with your book!

You can pick up a copy of The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch and share it with your friends (available in book form and for the Kindle) on T.M’s website and Amazon. Any online or local bookstore can order it too, if they’re not already carrying it!

Girls, we hope you’re inspired by T.M.’s newest venture to go after your own dreams. Tell us what they are in the comments below and we’ll say a prayer for you.

I just finished reading this book and I loved it! It’s geared toward tweens and young adults. There is a consistent theme of faith and trusting God throughout the book. It was a good read. I found myself wanting to find out what happened next, and all the while enjoying the careful threading of scripture references. It was a refreshing book and I’d highly recommend it.

I think you should take it one step at a time. I obviously don’t know your parents and would never suggest that you go against them, but if you wrote songs as a hobby, would they really mind? Share you songs with them and see how they react. You never know, they may be more supportive than you realize.